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* A.D. Quig at Crain’s…
President Donald Trump’s commutation of the 14-year sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich sends the wrong message about the current corruption scandal roiling the state, lawmakers and the attorneys who prosecuted Blagojevich say.
The timing “couldn’t have been worse,” says Jeff Cramer, a managing director at Berkeley Research Group in Chicago and formerly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. “Here we are with the U.S. Attorney’s Office bringing several political corruption cases, there are elected officials wearing wires to bring other cases, there’s no indication that tide is going to stem anytime soon.”
Cramer, who was a member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office at the time of the Blagojevich prosecution, doesn’t see any apparent political upside to Trump releasing a Democratic official. “It’s a difficult message for the president, a law and order guy, as he postures himself, to have a couple weeks where he’s just throwing out gifts to the politically connected.”
* Tribune…
In August, of Blagojevich, Trump said, “And a lot of people thought it was unfair, like a lot of other things — and it was the same gang, the Comey gang and all these sleazebags that did it.”
The president was referring to former FBI Director James Comey, a frequent Trump target who he contends sought to politicize the nation’s top law enforcement agency in the 2016 election in which Trump faced Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. After taking office, the president fired Comey amid the investigation into Russia’s interference in the election and whether the Trump campaign was involved.
The president’s comments mirrored what Patti Blagojevich has said in not-so-veiled attempts to link her husband’s prosecution to some of Trump’s perceived political enemies.
In reality, Comey was in private practice from 2005 to 2013 — virtually the entire time Blagojevich was investigated and prosecuted. And Blagojevich’s prosecution was launched by a Justice Department under the George W. Bush White House.
* Sun-Times…
Trump has repeatedly erred when he said Blagojevich was sentenced to 18 years or so. Zagel gave Blagojevich 14 years, putting him on track for release in March 2024.
* Senate President Harmon…
IL Senate Pres @DonHarmonIL on President Trump pardoning former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
"Donald Trump models a behavior where you never apologize or show contrition for anything, and it seems he is rewarding people that behave the way that he behaves." #twill pic.twitter.com/A3PqgQm4AH
— Cole Henke (@cole_Henke) February 18, 2020
* From Judge Zagel’s 2011 sentencing…
A corrupt governor can be “more damaging than any other office in the United States, except that of the president,” Judge Zagel said before announcing the sentence.
“When it is the governor who goes bad, the fabric of Illinois is torn, disfigured and not easily repaired,” Zagel said. “The harm here is not measured in the value of money or property. The harm is the erosion of public trust in government.”
* Mark Brown…
Whatever path he takes, Blagojevich will undoubtedly command our attention for the rest of his life.
We elected him, not once but twice, and now there’s no escaping him.
That’s our punishment.
…Adding… Capitol News Illinois…
Durkin questioned why Blagojevich should get “special treatment” when others who are imprisoned for drug offenses receive decades in prison without relief from presidential pardons.
“It’s just because of the celebrity of Rod Blagojevich,” Durkin said. “I think it’s wrong and it sends a bad message to people in this country that … you don’t have to pay your debt to society.”
“I’m never going to be able to figure out how the president messages, nor the decision making that he does,” Durkin said. “That’s something he’s going to have to explain, but I think he needs to explain to the people of Illinois who saw a governor destroy the integrity of this office but also did some very, very terrible things to the finances of this state. I hope that he could make a plausible explanation of why this is appropriate, because I haven’t seen anything yet.”
Durkin added “I guess he’s not concerned about the state of Illinois for next November.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 3:49 pm
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I do not see how this commutation, not pardon, sends a wrong message. Blago was sentenced to 14 years after two trials. In my opinion probably got at least 7 for being a jerk going on television and radio and angering judge. So I think any public official facing charges would not think of this as a pass
Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 3:57 pm
“I do not see how this. . . sends a wrong message.”
What message does this commutation send then? The message, in my opinion, is that a trial and sentencing doesn’t matter if you are politically connected.
Comment by YouCrimeYouPay Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:08 pm
===In my opinion===
The US Supreme Court disagrees with your opinion.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:10 pm
“We elected him, not once but twice”
Didn’t vote for him the second time.
But to our credit we impeached and removed him. It’s the opposite with Trump and his cult-like supporters.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:12 pm
Sen. Harmon makes a good point, but you can always get the Marty Sandoval “sorry I got caught” sorry. Blago at least is a bad character without pretension.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:18 pm
=In my opinion=
Neither Zagel or the Appellate Court seemed to buy into “your opinion.” In both instances they were clear in their rationale as to the original sentence and the reason for it being upheld on appeal.
You can argue that the federal sentencing guidelines are unjust, but in this case the court followed it’s rules not “your opinion.”
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:22 pm
===Durkin questioned why Blagojevich should get “special treatment” when others who are imprisoned for drug offenses receive decades in prison without relief from presidential pardons.===
Skin color? Just a guess.
Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:27 pm
==A corrupt governor can be “more damaging than any other office in the United States, except that of the president,” Judge Zagel said before announcing the sentence.==
Prescient
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:27 pm
Trumpster basically flushed the whole GOPie “end corruption with the “fair map”drivel
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:29 pm
With all due respect to Mr. Cramer, only the hardest MAGA rube would consider Trump to be a “law and order guy,” despite his posturing.
Comment by TominChicago Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:33 pm
Well, at least the President didn’t PARDON Blago, he just cut his stay short. Blago is still a convicted felon, has been disbarred by the ARDC, and is barred from any Illinois elected or appointed office due to his impeachment and/or felony convictions.
Comment by revvedup Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:47 pm
“in this case the court followed it’s rules not “your opinion”
And the court and their rules were “Trumped” by someone who agreed with Dupage’s opinion.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:52 pm
“I guess he’s not concerned about the state of Illinois for next November.”
Trump has already conceded Illinois in November - was a blue state in 2016, will be bluer in 2020. If he left Blago in, wouldn’t change the result. So he gave it to us.
Comment by bogey golfer Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:55 pm
I’m just enjoying the cognitive dissonance and mental back flips Trump supporters are suffering right now. 🤣
Comment by Brendan Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:58 pm
Gee it was just my opinion. I have no power. I guess I am soft in my old age.
Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 4:58 pm
I’d vote for a yellow dog before I’d vote for a Republican.
Also, I voted against Rod Blagojevich three times.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 5:34 pm
Mark Brown may have to feed the beast a couple times each week but if he can’t find something worthwhile to write his column about, that’s on him, that’s not Blago’s fault.
Comment by DIstant watcher Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 5:36 pm
“Durkin added “I guess he’s not concerned about the state of Illinois for next November.”
Blagojevich was on Trump’s TV show, and he was thrown out of office for his crimes. Those connections makes Blagojevich Trump’s buddy.
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 5:37 pm
==Didn’t vote for him the second time.==
Nor did I. After meeting Rod and watching his campaign folks operate, I could not vote for the guy. Speaking as a very solid Dem, Judy was clearly the better person for the office.
I think Comptroller Mendoza put it best: “Birds of a feather flock together.”
Trump governs as Rod governed. It’s all transactional politics, yes-men, strong-arming, forget the rules I’m in charge stuff.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 5:42 pm
“Durkin added, “I guess he’s not concerned about the state of Illinois for next November.”
Trump knows his friends in Russia, etc. will help him with Illinois and other blue states. Like they hacked the Democrats data in 2016. It may not have helped him win IL in 2016s, but it might help him this year.
Comment by M Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 5:46 pm
Say what you will, the guy puts eyes on TVs, and would sell a lot of newspapers back in the day.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 6:08 pm
==Say what you will, the guy puts eyes on TVs, and would sell a lot of newspapers back in the day. ==
I’d prefer someone who governs in the interest of the people.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 6:34 pm
In 2006 I voted third party after all the ridiculous special sessions and the gift from his boy Mike Ascridis (sorry if I spelled it wrong)
Couldn’t bring myself to put the GOP back in the gov mansion but I couldn’t vote for him anymore either.
One of the few times I agree w Jim Durkin. I guess Rod was/is good at bringing people together like that.
Comment by low level Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 7:09 pm
Trump the greatest ever
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 7:28 pm
===I’d prefer someone who governs in the interest of the people.===
I would too, but it’s funny to me how much of a circus he can cause after so long. Phil Rogers flew out to Colorado just to cover it. Crazy.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 8:02 pm
So if everyone remembers the entire hacking scandal… the Illinois GOP was also a part of that… just saying.. Trump had already lost the suburbs after the mid term… don’t think they will win back those congressional seats. Sad day
Comment by Visual Manager Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 9:19 pm
I’m scared about the level of BS that’s headed our way.
Comment by Quizzical Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 11:29 pm
Also scared about incoming BS. Just hope it’s delivered via a gig with Fox News rather than in Trump administration.
Comment by SAP Tuesday, Feb 18, 20 @ 11:58 pm
I was of the opinion that yes Blago had served enough time and maybe it was time to let him go home. But after watching his short interview at Denver Airport I changed my mind. His own words convinced me that no, he should have served the whole 14 years.
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/video/4452839-rod-blagojevich-speaks-after-his-release-from-prison/#.Xky2T3U0Lzo.twitter
Comment by SOIL M Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 6:32 am
The 11AM speech should be a doozy
Comment by SOIL M Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 6:33 am
I can’t wait to see how the Eastern Bloc State Reps and Rodney Davis attempt to spin this one. They went from off with his head to poor Rod was treated unfairly.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 8:02 am
Guess Jack Franks will not be blathering on about Gov. Blago. Funny, that as Rod is released, there’s a bit of a spotlight on Franks’ behavior.
Comment by Illinois voter Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 8:34 am
Rod will be the next new US Senator from Illinois - whether he runs as a Democrat or Republican, whether or not he runs against Durbin or Duckworth. Take it to the bank. Campaign starts at 11am today.
Comment by Unstable Genius Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 8:38 am
- Unstable Genius -
“I (expletive) busted my … and … people off and gave your grandmother a free (expletive) ride on a bus. OK? I gave your (expletive) baby a chance to have health care. And what do I get for that? Only 13 percent of you all out there think I’m doing a good job. So (expletive) all of you.”
Rod isn’t running for any federal office with these quotes still around. Nope.
I’m sure your comment is snark..
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 8:50 am
If it’s was even 10 degrees warmer I’d run over and watch the circus.
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 8:59 am
- Oswego Genius -
I am honored that you read and responded to my post.
Actually not snark - Rod is a populist, that can get the support of downstate, and many diverse urban demographic groups. And he is likeable - especially this version of Rod (version 2.0) - not a lot of likeable politicians in IL. Watch at 11am.
Comment by Unstable Genius Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:08 am
Can we circulate a petition asking Rod to establish a residence in any other state besides here?
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:08 am
Penguin just emptied Gotham prison
Comment by Not a Billionaire Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:08 am
Regardless, happy for his wife and kids.
Comment by Hey there Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:12 am
I think “The Onion” outdid themselves with this: https://politics.theonion.com/rod-blagojevich-trying-to-sell-presidential-commutation-1837076931
Comment by Angry Republican Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:13 am
=== honored===
You’re not, but I appreciate the thought.
=== Rod is a populist, that can get the support of downstate, and many diverse urban demographic groups. And he is likeable - especially this version of Rod (version 2.0) - not a lot of likeable politicians in IL. Watch at 11am.===
Rod can’t beat Durbin or Duckworth, in either a primary or general.
Rod is not popular. Rod is infamous. Rod is not a hero. Rod is Trump in outcome. Trump lost Illinois by 16 points, Rod’s popularity was at 13% before impeachment.
I fed you. Asked and answered. Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:15 am
Wasn’t Blagojevich on the Celebrity Apprentice?
Maybe Trump had a soft spot for him from his appearance on the show…
Comment by Invincible Overlord Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 1:46 pm